H.B. No. 164 seeks to improve the regulation of migrant labor housing facilities in Texas by amending existing laws and introducing new provisions. A key change is the adjustment of civil penalties for violations, now set at a minimum of $50 for each person occupying the facility in violation, replacing the previous minimum of $200 per day. The bill broadens enforcement options, allowing actions to be initiated by the department, county attorneys, the attorney general, or migrant agricultural workers under certain conditions. It also establishes a structured complaint process, requiring operators to address complaints within specified timeframes and outlining inspection procedures, while prohibiting retaliation against complainants and allowing for attorney's fees in related lawsuits.

Furthermore, the bill amends the Government Code to include new sections focused on migrant labor housing facilities. It mandates the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to provide multilingual information about these facilities and conduct research to identify common types of migrant labor housing and regions needing improvements. The bill sets a timeline for implementation, requiring the department to adopt necessary rules by March 1, 2026, and specifies that the amendments apply only to violations occurring on or after the effective date of the Act, September 1, 2025, with prior violations governed by the previous law.

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